What Exactly Is a Promise Ring? Different Jewelers Weigh In

What exactly is a promise ring? We've got wedding rings and engagement rings covered—we can tell you what they mean and where to buy them, including a slew of other important facts relating to the topic of commitment jewelry, but promise rings are another story. After interviewing a handful of some of the most reputable jewelry designers in the industry, we came to find that although the definition of a promise ring varies depending on who you ask, there are definitely a few key points that solidify the true meaning of a promise ring, and those are commitment, love, and loyalty.

Here, we are sharing with you exactly what these jewelry designers had to say when asked what their definition of a promise ring is, and we have a feeling their answers might warm your heart at least a tad. With all this talk of the future, choosing another person to love, and the overall intentionality that a promise ring holds, you'll be wanting to do some ring shopping whether you're in a relationship or not.

Go on to learn what a promise ring means to various jewelry designers and to shop rings we know will get the above message across in the chicest way possible.

symbol of commitment

"Traditionally, a promise ring was a symbol of a commitment to get married in the future. We love the idea of a promise ring simply representing a meaningful decision to commit to something, whether it be between two people in a romantic relationship vowing to cherish and commit to one another, a parent to a child committing to love and support them through all the ups and downs of life, or even a decision to commit to love and value yourself.

"Jewelry means so much to its wearer and that's what we love so much about it. The deep significance of something so small. We also love that our clients think outside the box and choose a ring to signify commitment that's uniquely meaningful to them. We've had people choose emeralds because of their love of nature and the outdoors, diamonds because of their everlasting quality, aquamarines because of a couple's joint love of the ocean. It's all game." — Jennie Kwon of Jennie Kwon Designs

"I think a promise ring is really sweet! It tends to be for those who are a bit younger who are not quite ready/able to afford or take on the responsibility of officially getting engaged but want to show their complete commitment to each other. To me, it is a ring given with love and a promise for a future together. The name itself evokes feelings of honor and romance. I think it is quite lovely!" — Anne Sisteron, designer and curator of Anne Sisteron Fine Jewelry

"A promise ring is that constant reminder of the future you hope to create together, and at the most fundamental level, it's a daily reminder of the love two people share. It's a beautiful and sentimental gift that is a step before an engagement ring but just as intentional." — Octavia Zamagias, founder and designer of Octavia Elizabeth

"To me, a promise ring represents the promise to give loyalty and commitment to your partner at that point in your life—in the here and now—versus a wedding ring which promises forever. A promise ring is a promise to love in the here and now in hopes that someday that promise will turn into forever." — Baylee Zwart, designer of Azlee Jewelry

"To me, a promise ring is a love ring. Rather than focusing on a big center stone like an engagement ring, a promise ring can be fashion-forward and symbolize something special within a friendship or a romantic relationship. Diamonds are a girl's best friend—she doesn't need a wedding to get a meaningful ring!" — Oren Katz, co-founder and designer of Carbon & Hyde